NATALIA
(Hades Riders MC)
By
Belle Winters
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.
Copyright © 2017 Shannon Jackson. All rights reserved. Including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the author.
Version 2017.10.31
Table of Contents
Prelude
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Epilogue
Prelude
Five Years Old
“Natalia? Are you over here?”
I sniffled, trying to hold in my sob long enough to answer. “Is… is that you Jackson?”
I could hear the dead grass and leaves crunch under his feet as he made his way to the bush I was hiding behind. “It’s me, Nat. I heard your dad screaming, I went looking for you, but you weren’t there. It took me forever to find you.” He hesitated as his shoes came into sight, “Ar- are you alright?”
I finally managed to wipe my tear streaked face and eyes and looked up at him. I still had enough water in my eyes to fill a bathtub, but I was relieved. He’d found me like he always does. He was the only thing I had. I wanted to go find him, but instead ran off and ended here. I was just too afraid to stay, and I was afraid alone. I was hoping he’d come, and he did. He was a way better hero than Batman.
I sniffled again, and opened my arms up to him. He got down on his hands and knees and crawled over to me pulling me into a hug. He reached into his pocket, and produced a bright red apple. He extended it towards my lips and I hesitated.
“We can share Nat, always. Take some… please?” he asked softly.
I nodded and took a bite and felt happy for the first time today. It was good, so sweet. Better than what I’d found in the kitchen earlier. The bread hadn’t tasted so good, it had blue on it that I didn’t think it was supposed to have but I was so hungry. He pulled it back and took a bite of his own. We kept doing this until we got to the part that we couldn’t eat. After that, I sighed and crawled further into his arms. He pulled us deeper into the bush as it got colder outside, and we cuddled with each other like we were our favorite teddy bears.
When the sun was bright the next day, we finally made our way back home to try to find something to eat. Our tummies were both making a lot of noise and we needed to find something to eat while our dads were still sleep. Hopefully, we could find enough to last us for the rest of the day and night. Maybe… if we can get out early, I’d be able to get my blanket to keep us warm. They didn’t miss us once we were gone; it was the sneaking out that was hard. We liked to leave before they started doing the drugs. They were angry when they did, if we weren’t around, they didn’t think about us.
Ten Years Old
“Nat, tell me!” Jackson demanded.
I pouted and shook my head. The last time he helped me, they broke his arm. It wasn’t that bad really, and he got there in time. I didn’t want anyone to hurt him again because of me. I loved him so much; he was my only family… I couldn’t stand to watch our dad’s beat him up again.
“I’m ok.” I told him with a sniffle.
His eyes narrowed, and I was a little afraid of him. Jackson had grown over the years and he didn’t look like he was 10 years old like me. He was big and strong, and I was a little girl who couldn’t defend herself. I always got him into trouble just because I couldn’t be like him. I wanted to be like him… so, so bad. To stand up to my dad. I just couldn’t though, and I was so afraid to do it. Jackson wasn’t afraid anymore… not since that night when one of dad’s friends slapped me because I wouldn’t get on my knees when he told me to. I just didn’t understand why.
He was one of the guys that came over to hang out with Marc, Jackson’s dad, and they came over to my house. After they messed with the needles, dad and Marc were asleep, but he wasn’t. Dad’s friends never talked to me and I was afraid and confused. Jackson had come looking for me and punched the guy in his balls. After that, he grabbed me, and we ran to our little hideout. We’d built something like a treehouse, but on the floor. Our escape. There wasn’t much, but we had each other and whatever it was we could get. All I needed was him, he took care of me. He loved me, he was family.
“Natalia…” Oh no. He’d said my real name. He only says that when I’m in trouble, but I know he won’t hurt me. He’s the only person who I know won’t hurt me. He loves me, and I love him. He is all that I know… I’ve not even ever been to school!
He tucked a finger underneath my chin and raised my head, so he could meet my eyes. I watched as his eyes looked all over my face and he must see the bruise on my eye from when dad punched me. He caught me getting a second bowl of cereal when he’d had company. After that, I’d run here to our special place. I could tell from his face that he was angry.
“Please don’t be mad at me.” I whispered.
He breathed out a long breath. “I could never be mad you Nat. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to get you sooner. I went into town to get us some food.”
I just noticed the bag he had. I never asked him where he got food for us or how, I knew he was probably doing something bad because he refused to ever take me with him. I didn’t really care though; it was the only time we really ate. He’d been able to get us some chicken and rice today. He laid out the food and we dug in.
I looked up at him and smiled. “You know Jacky, one day… we’re going to the beach together when we’re all big and we’re going to go to sit like this and watch the sunset. It’ll be beautiful.” I assured him.
He chuckled. “Yea Nat. We’ll catch a sunset… and you’ll get to have all the rainbows and butterflies and all the pretty things that girls like one day. I’ll make sure of it.” He ruffled my hair and pointed to the food. “Now eat.”
I smiled and dug in. halfway through I looked up to my hero and told him what I tell him every day. “I love you Jackson.”
He smiled warmly back at me and when he spoke I knew it was the truth. “I love you too Natalia, now do as I said and eat girl.” He chuckled, and I felt it through my whole body. He was the best boy in the world.
When we were done, he cuddled me into his arms like he did every night and waited for sleep to claim us.
Fifteen Years Old
I was anxiously waiting for Jackson to come. He had told me that he had something important to talk to me about tonight. This has to finally be it. He would tell me that he was just as much in love with me as I was him. He would say that we would get great jobs, get married one day, and have kids, a dog… the whole nine yards. He’d have a plan for us I was sure.
Over the years, my love for him has transformed. Of course, I still loved him; I was just in love with him as well. When I hit thirteen, I started venturing out into the town. Guys would hit on me and ask me out, I did look a bit older than I actually was which was surprising giving my circumstances. I was definitely filled in all the right places and could easily pass for 16 back then, and the guys that age noticed, but the only one I ha
d eyes for was Jackson. I wanted to tell him about my feelings for him for a long time, but he wasn’t like me. He wasn’t saving himself for marriage or his true love, me. A few times when I’ve been in town I’d see him, touching, kissing, and flirting with girls. I tried not to let it bother me though. He just didn’t think I was ready before and he was right. But I am now.
I heard him before I saw him, and I couldn’t help but grin as my heartbeat wildly in my chest.
“Nat?” he called out.
“I’m here Jack.”
He came into view. He was handsome. He worked out, and it was showing. He looked more like 18 than 15. He had a bag with him that he tossed onto the ground. “You said we needed to talk about something?” I asked trying to smooth my cheap clothes.
He bit the inside of his cheek. “Yea, I do.”
He plopped down beside me looking exhausted. “What is it?” I asked, nervous for a whole new reason. He was so close to me. We were always close, but the excitement bursting through me at the moment had me hyper aware of everything.
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m taking off tonight and I’m not coming back.” He announced.
I froze. That was the last thing I was expecting to hear from him. “What… what do you mean you’re leaving?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I gotta get the fuck away from this. There’s no reason to stay… what? So that I can keep fighting with our dads? Stealing shit just to feed us? Fuck, I can do the same shit I’m doing now without having to deal with those fuck ups.” He explained.
It made sense to me, but God. “So, you’re just going to leave me?” I asked, afraid of his answer.
He frowned and gripped my chin while he searched my eyes. “Leave you? How do you think I could ever fucking leave you? I’ve already stopped and grabbed some of your stuff. It’s in my bag.”
I began to sweat. He couldn’t be serious. “We can’t just run-away Jackson. They’ll look for us, they’ll find us. What if the cops find us? They’ll separate us and then I’ll never see you again. I thought we were going to wait until we were 18.” I was panicking.
“Nat… I can’t take another day in this place. I’m two seconds away from killing those fuckers. Then what? What if things finally get too out of control? Someone is going to end up hurt. I can go to jail if that happens, then how the fuck am I supposed to look out for you from there? I’m not taking those chances, those fuckers ain’t worth it. Let’s just go, I can protect you. I always protect you.” He pleaded with me.
I shook my head and I felt my heart shatter. “I’m sorry Jackson, but I can’t go with you.” I stood up on shaky legs. “I’m too afraid; just please stay here with me until it’s time.” Now I was begging. We’d stood out this long, what’s three more years?
He stood up and crossed his arms. “I can’t stay. So, you coming with me or not?”
I shook my head. “I’m afraid…”
“Fuck Nettie,” he growled. “How do you expect me to just leave you here? I can’t protect you if I’m not here. You’ll have no one left to protect you.”
“Then stay…” I tried again.
He let out a long sigh and fixed me with a dark, hard look. One that he usually gives to our parents. He shook his head and picked up his bag as he went to leave. I grabbed his arm to stop him. He stopped but he didn’t turn around. The words were on the tip of my tongue; just at least tell him how I feel about him before he walks out of my life forever. Once again, I didn’t have the courage and let him go. I watched as he stormed off, taking my heart with him.
I couldn’t stay in our spot anymore knowing he wasn’t coming back, it hurt too much. So instead I went home and tried sneaking in. I wasn’t successful, Marc saw me.
“Where were you whoring coming in at this time?” he asked making my father turn his head in my direction.
“You whoring, you little slut?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No sir, I am not having sex.”
“Come here…” my father called out and I had to hold my hands together to stop them from shaking.
I walked over to him and he gripped my wrist tugging me closer. “If you’re whoring where’s the money?” he asked with a sneer.
My entire body was shaking now. “I’m… I’m not whoring. I am still a virgin.”
Marc made a tsking noise. “How about we find out? I don’t believe you.”
My eyes shot to his when I heard his belt unbuckle. No, no, no… I never been in this situation, but it didn’t take a genius to guess… I’d rather they beat me. They’ve never done anything like this before. My father stood up and dragged me over to where Marc was sitting and pushed me to my knees. “Go ahead girl, this ain’t new for you. At least Marc here has finally found a use for you.”
“Please…” I swallowed. “Please don’t make me do this. I swear I won’t ever leave the house again. Just don’t.” I choked on a sob and watched my father hoping that he would take mercy on me this one time.
Marc released himself from his pants and I threw up in my mouth. This is worse than anything I thought they could be capable of. When an evil grin took over my father’s face, I began to whimper. He definitely didn’t look like he was going to help me, and I was even more afraid.
“So, this is what you and that little shit has been up to? You been running around fucking Jackson all this time? He ain’t got no fucking money, so you’re giving it up for free?” He made a tsking sound as he pushed his sweat pants down and when I saw his manhood hard in front of me I tried to crawl away.
Someone gripped the back of my hair hard and I saw lights behind my eyes from the pain. He pushed my face hard against the floor and raised my skirt. He didn’t bother taking off my underwear, merely pushing them to the side and then I felt him against me.
I tried to struggle but they both had a hold on me at this point. Marc was holding my hair in an iron grip and my father had both of my hands held tightly behind my back. All I could do was sob. I always pictured my first time would be with Jackson, something romantic, maybe with rose petals. This was a girl worse nightmare. Marc lifted my head as my dad pushed into me. I cried out in pain, as he didn’t waste and time and breached my barrier like the fucking animal he was. When I opened my mouth to scream in pain, Marc pushed my head down pushing himself all the way into my mouth ignoring my cries and gags. The whole thing was brutal, and it broke a part of me.
This was the beginning without Jackson.
Twenty-Four Years Old
“Please welcome Sparkle to the stage.”
I rolled my eyes. The owner of the club had given me that shit name when I was hired here. Don’t ask me where the hell he got these names from. I’ve been stripping for the past five years… various places though. It’s all the same bullshit. I keep everything professional. I don’t engage in lap dances, private rooms, or hooking up with people from the club. That’s a no go. I barely had any relationships of any types over the years… no friends, no men. I mean, who really wants to be around an uneducated stripper, who hops around for free beds? My point exactly.
Every time I step on the stage, I sort of zone out. My mind going to a place I will never know in reality. I’ve been trying to save up to try to get me some sort of education, a GED or something so I can get a different job. It’s just real fucking difficult when I have to still eat and have the everyday necessities and I’m not exactly drowning in tips. As I mentioned, I don’t engage in the activities where you get the generous tips.
The only time I’ve ever had sex was when I was being raped for three years by my perverted father and his bastard friend. They both deserve to die if you ask me, but I try not to think about them – ever.
I saunter onto the stage. All the faces in the crowd are mere shadows. I walked over to the pole and began to move like I was on auto-pilot, my eyes closed. There was a commotion, but I didn’t care. Probably some drunk fucks arguing about something stupid. My hand went to the strings of my bikini top and I starte
d to pull on them. A hand clamped over mine and my eyes snapped open. The lights were shining so bright I couldn’t get a look at the face.
I began to struggle. “Get off – “
And was cut off. “Natalia, swear to fuck… if this top comes off I’m going to beat your ass and the shit out of every fucker in here. Let’s go.” And he tugged on my arm motioning for me to follow.
I followed him in shock. The voice... and he said my name… how the hell?
He pulled me out of the club, stomping the whole way. “Jackson? What are you doing here?” I asked him as he backed me up against a wall outside.
“What am I doing here? What are you fucking doing here?” he roared in my face.
My eyes flashed with anger thinking of the past three years. “How the fuck dare you? I’m not much qualified for anything else, or have you forgotten.” I scoffed, “probably did since you fucking left me in that hell hole without a backwards glance.” I argued.
He sighed. “Where do you live? I’ll take you home and we can talk there.” He said.
I nibbled on my bottom lip as I felt my cheeks heat up. “What’s wrong? You know I don’t give a shit about – “he began.
I cut him off as I blurted out, “I don’t have one. I was going to find a shelter for a bed after my shift.” I confessed.
He looked at me and cursed. “Like fucking hell.”
He stormed over to a bike and tossed a helmet at me. “Get on.”
I followed his instructions wrapping myself around him. “Where are you taking me?” I asked. Even after all these years, I still trusted him completely.
“Home.” Was all he said before he roared off.
Chapter 1
I groaned as I rolled over and came face to face with a sleeping Bull. When he was asleep, he looked so beautiful. His long blonde hair was fanned out across the pillow, his lips looked as if they were puckered just waiting for a kiss. His long eyelashes framing the tops of his cheeks, but I would prefer to look into his beautiful blue eyes. So clear, so hypnotizing, that when he focuses those intense gazes slowly on you. I shivered just thinking about it.
Natalia (Hades Riders MC Book 3) Page 1
